Distribution and populationNothocercus nigrocapillus is known from the eastern slopes of the Andes in north-central South America. The range of the nominate subspecies extends from central Peru to Bolivia, with the subspecies cadwaladeri restricted to north-west Peru (del Hoyo et al. 1992).

Population justificationThe global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as 'uncommon' (Stotz et al. 1996).

Trend justificationThis species is suspected to lose 22.1-23.5% of suitable habitat within its distribution over three generations (20 years) based on a model of Amazonian deforestation (Soares-Filho et al. 2006, Bird et al. 2011). Given the susceptibility of the species to hunting and/or trapping, it is therefore suspected to decline by ≥30% over three generations.

EcologyThis is a little-known species of mainly subtropical, but also temperate, humid forests of the east Andes. It occurs from 2,000-3,000 m. It is thought to be omnivorous, and has been seen feeding on fallen bamboo seeds (del Hoyo et al. 1992).

ThreatsProjected deforestation is the primary threat affecting this species (Soares-Filho et al. 2006, Bird et al. 2011). Past clearance has been known to cause severe erosion and landslides in its montane range (del Hoyo et al. 1992), and so it is likely these events will increase in frequency.

Conservation Actions Underway None is known.

Conservation Actions Proposed

Expand the protected area network to effectively protect IBAs. Effectively resource and manage existing and new protected areas, utilising emerging opportunities to finance protected area management with the joint aims of reducing carbon emissions and maximizing biodiversity conservation. Conservation on private lands, through expanding market pressures for sound land management and preventing forest clearance on lands unsuitable for agriculture, is also essential (Soares-Filho et al. 2006).

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2015) Species factsheet: Nothocercus nigrocapillus. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 03/03/2015.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2015) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 03/03/2015.

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000)
Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004)
Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife